Water+Quality

=__Water Quality__=

1.Control of toxic substances.
Examples of toxic substances at a residential level are lawn, pest control, and home maintenance chemicals. Industrial toxins are also an obvious concern. In addition to factory effluents that are closely monitored now and fall under specific regulations, the related stormwater is under close regulatory scrutiny. Other pollutants include substances such as salt used by the Department of Transportation in winter to make roads passable, excrement from livestock and pets, and leachate from landfills and/or septic systems that are improperly maintained. Extreme weather events force man-made objects and the above pollutants into streams.

It is much easier to control what goes into the streams than it is to clean the substances and chemicals from the streams, especially after they have damaged the habitat. In addition to the laws and regulations that are being enforced on industry, there are strict instructions that homeowners must follow on the use of residential chemicals.

2. Nonpoint source pollution.
Nonpoint source pollutants are carried into the streams by rain water runoff throughout the watershed. Pollutants that are not attached to a specific source include debris from residential home repairs and car repairs, residential pet waste, decaying wild animals, excrement from live wild animals, and some business releases.

3. Point source pollution.
As mentioned earlier, businesses are responsible for many sources of pollution, and the government has, in many cases, tracked the pollutants to their "sources", therefore the term "point source" pollution. The federal government is working with the states to identify and regulate pollution sources under the National Pollutant Disharge Elimination System (NPDES) act to support the health of our waters. 

4. Increased public involvement.
One way to improve the health of our waters is to get the word out, through word of mouth, education/awareness campaigns conducted in our schools and communities (sometimes along with our utility companies), and the FOG publication.

5. Sustainable supply of potable water.
There is hope to achieving a sustainable supply of water--for future generations. In recent decades, through the NPDES and Clean Water Act, we have made big strides. However, with the pollution that exists, we have a long way to go. The cost of treating water is growing along with other utility expenses, but we must pay the price in order to preserve life, not to mention our water-thirsty lifestyle.



Introduction | Stakeholders | Water Quality | Urban Ecology | Land Use Mapping | Study Sites | Methods | Results | Conclusions | Fish | Restoration